A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate degree in nursing. They can provide primary care and other health services to all patients. They can also choose a specialty such as women’s health, pediatrics, neonatal care, family practice, or gerontology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner jobs are projected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031. The aging population and the focus on preventive care are factors contributing to this demand. An NP certificate can position you for opportunities in the field.
Where does a Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate Fit in the Nursing Education Hierarchy?
Nurses who want to improve health outcomes and impact the lives of people should ensure that their skills and knowledge are up to date. More education can help ambitious nurses to become a leader or develop a specialty.
A post-master’s certificate is meant for nurses who have completed a master of science in nursing. They may have a license to practice as a registered nurse in their state. Some other prerequisites vary from program to program.
Is it Worth Completing a Post-Master’s NP Certificate or Should you get a Doctorate Instead?
A post-master’s certificate is an advanced form of education for nurses. However, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) remains the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses.
If you’re looking to acquire more knowledge to expand your job opportunities, a post-master’s certificate can help. But if you want the highest level of education in nursing, a DNP is great.
A post-master’s certificate program can be completed much more quickly than a Doctor of nursing practice degree. It can also prepare you for nurse practitioner certification exams.
Some Benefits of Completing a Post-Master’s Program
Furthering your education as a nurse can help to improve your existing knowledge, learn more specialized skills and become a senior nurse.
Here are some reasons why registered nurses should earn a post-master’s NP certificate.
1- Gain Advanced Skills
A post-master’s certificate program can equip nurses with advanced knowledge and skills for
providing quality healthcare services. You may also be capable of training or overseeing junior staff nurses in the hospital or health facility.
2- Access to more Senior Nursing Positions
Just like every other nursing graduate program, a post-master’s certificate course can prepare you for management or leadership roles in the field. You can also establish and operate your own independent practice in some U.S. states.
3- Have the option to Specialize
An NP certificate gives nurses the opportunity to broaden their scope of practice. Rather than being limited to primary care, you can work in other medical specialties like family medicine, psychiatric mental health, geriatric care, etc.
4- Higher Earning Potential
The skills gained from a post-master’s program can help you move into higher-paying roles. For example, a family nurse practitioner (FNP) earns a median annual salary of $108,488 and a Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) earns an average of $113,600.
5- Career Growth
The healthcare industry continues to evolve due to factors such as technology, the baby boomer population, and disease trends. So employers are seeking nursing professionals who can provide a modern and much more effective approach to these health issues.
6- Personal Fulfillment
Nurses who pursue advanced education have the ability to choose the best work environment and the right role for them. An NP certificate can hone your professional skills so you can get that dream job and earn a lucrative salary.
What can you Expect to Learn in a Post-Master’s Certificate Program?
A post-master’s NP certificate will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for some clinical specialties as well as the healthcare system as a whole. Most programs offer some concentrations to help expand your knowledge.
For example, an online post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate allows you to specialize in five critical areas – adult-gerontology primary care, pediatric primary care, family practice,
acute care, and psychiatric mental health.
How Long does it take to Complete a Post-Master’s NP certificate?
For flexibility and convenience, working nurses can pursue a post-master’s NP certificate online. You can access your coursework online from your home or workplace and complete clinical hours locally at your preferred setting.
It would take two years for a part-time student to earn a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate. However, you can complete yours in a shorter period depending on how quickly you progress through the course.
What Type of Jobs and Settings can you Work in with a Post-Master’s NP Certificate?
After completing a post-master’s NP certificate, you can specialize as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner(AGACNP), or Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
You also have the opportunity to select the best work setting for you. Advanced practice nurse practitioners (APRNs) can work in settings such as: hospitals and clinics, educational institutions, private practices, outpatient care centers, and long-term care facilities.